UN Expert Calls for Restraint Ahead of Possible Protest in Herat

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has called for restraint ahead of a possible protest in Herat. In a post on social media platform X, he urged everyone to act with caution if the protest takes place, referencing a joint UN experts' statement on law enforcement standards.

This follows earlier protests in the city over the arrests of women. Residents report an increased Taliban security presence in Herat, especially in the Jibraeel area, ahead of possible protests after Friday prayers.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, known as UNAMA, confirmed that an 11-year-old boy was killed by gunfire during the June 9 protest, with several others injured. The mission is reviewing reports of another death. UNAMA also confirmed that at least 30 women were arrested by the Taliban Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Herat between June 6 and 7, and were later released.

Bennett and other UN human rights experts have condemned the reported use of force against protesters and called for an independent investigation. Human Rights Watch and UN Women have expressed concern over the events. The Taliban has not officially confirmed deaths during the Herat protests and has denied reports of widespread arrests of women.